January 2, 2019 2.39 pm This story is over 62 months old

Four month county council CEO awarded OBE

Keith Ireland has been awarded an OBE
Former Lincolnshire County Council Chief Executive Keith Ireland.

Lincolnshire County Council’s former chief executive has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year honours.

Keith Ireland, who suddenly stepped down from his role at the county council in November, received the award for his services to local government.

Mr Ireland was recognised for his work at City of Wolverhampton Council where he was managing director from 2014 until 2018.

He left the role to join the county council in July 2018, but his departure was announced after just four months.

No further details have been given, but a joint statement from council leader, Martin Hill, said the pair “did not share the same approach”.

Councillors have been given strict instructions by legal advisors not to discuss the matter.

Janice Spencer, acting director of children’s services at Lincolnshire County Council.

Meanwhile, Janice Spencer, acting director for children’s services at the county council, has also been recognised with an OBE in the New Year’s honours.

She has worked at the authority since 1992 and was appointed assistant director of children’s services back in 2012, but recently took up the role as acting director.

Debbie Barns, head of paid service at the authority, said Janice plays an important role at the council.

“Janice has played a major part in transforming Lincolnshire’s children’s services into one of the best performers in the country and this is fully deserved,” she said.

“She has been a hugely important part of the management team in children’s services over many years, helping to deliver the improvements and innovation that now see us rated by Ofsted as a top authority for supporting children, young people and their families.

“Janice’s leadership and commitment in vital areas of safeguarding and wellbeing for vulnerable children and young people means we are now considered a leader nationally in this area, so much so that we have been chosen to lead on developing and improving social work practice in this area.

“I am immensely proud of this achievement and congratulate Janice on her award.”

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